# Of the preparation of Sir Palomides and the two brethren that should fight with him explained — Le Morte d’Arthur

> Chapter companion for Le Morte d’Arthur by Thomas Malory.

## What happens

Sir Palomides arrives at the Delectable Isle to avenge the death of King Hermance, slain by the two brethren Helius and Helake. He recounts to Sir Hermind the treasonous slaying of Sir Lamorak by Sir Gawaine and his brethren. The city rejoices at Palomides' coming, and he prepares to fight the two false knights in single combat.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Treachery

The slaying of Sir Lamorak by Sir Gawaine and his brethren is described as an act of treason, and the two brethren Helius and Helake are characterized as false and full of treason for murdering their king.

### Violence and Vengeance

Sir Palomides comes to the Red City specifically to avenge the death of King Hermance through combat, and the chapter sets up a deadly confrontation between him and the two brethren.

### Religious Quest and Redemption

Sir Palomides remains unchristened, having vowed to only receive christendom after achieving the beast Glatisant and completing seven battles, reflecting a personal spiritual quest intertwined with his chivalric deeds.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Palomides

Arrives to avenge King Hermance's death; recounts the slaying of Sir Lamorak; prepares to fight the two brethren Helius and Helake.

### Sir Lamorak de Galis

Mentioned as having been slain by Sir Gawaine and his brethren through treason.

### Sir Gawaine

Identified as one of the four knights who slew Sir Lamorak by treason.

### Sir Agravaine

Named among the four knights who slew Sir Lamorak.

### Sir Gaheris

Named among the four knights who slew Sir Lamorak.

### Sir Mordred

Named among the four knights who slew Sir Lamorak.

## Key lines

> The first is Sir Launcelot du Lake, and Sir Tristram de Liones, the third is my nigh cousin, Sir Lamorak de Galis.

The knight names Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram, and his cousin Sir Lamorak as the three knights he would most desire to have.

_Sir Hermind expresses his high regard for these three knights._

> He is slain, said Sir Palomides, by Sir Gawaine and his brethren.

Sir Palomides reveals that Sir Lamorak was killed by Sir Gawaine and his brothers.

_Palomides recounts the treacherous slaying of Sir Lamorak._

> And because he made his avow that he would never be christened unto the time that he had achieved the beast Glatisant, the which was a full wonderful beast, and a great signification; for Merlin prophesied much of that beast.

Sir Palomides vowed not to be christened until he had captured the beast Glatisant, a creature of great significance about which Merlin had prophesied.

_Explanation of Palomides' personal quest and its connection to prophecy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters/lxiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/le_morte_d_arthur_se/chapters